The peak industry body for best practice infrastructure asset management is proud to announce the appointment of industry expert Allen Mapstone as its Director of Strategic Asset Management.

IPWEA provides local governments and organisations with the tools and training essential to managing multiple and complex infrastructure assets.

Its National Asset Management Strategy (NAMS) product NAMS.PLUS and the internationally recognised Professional Certificate in Asset Management Planning have redefined the benchmark for asset management best practice. About 70% of Australia’s councils are NAMS.PLUS subscribers.

IPWEA CEO Robert Fuller said Mapstone was the obvious choice for the role, given his illustrious career first in local government, and then with asset management gurus Jeff Roorda and Associates (JRA), a TechnologyOne company.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Allen to the IPWEA team,” Fuller said.

“He has provided NAMS.PLUS subscribers and Professional Certificate participants with first-rate advice for more than a decade in a consulting capacity. In their feedback, Professional Certificate participants consistently praise Allen’s obvious depth of knowledge and ability to succinctly deliver complex concepts. His passion for asset management is obvious.

“This appointment is part of IPWEA’s commitment to keep improving our products and services in line with the industry’s requirements, and will ensure that those who subscribe and participate in our suite of asset management tools will continue to receive top-notch support.”

An experienced civil engineer, Mapstone has been involved with NAMS.PLUS since its inception in 2006, when it was first piloted in SA.

Stepping into the role this week, Mapstone said he was excited to be involved in delivering IPWEA’s asset management products and services in a full time capacity.

“My initial focus is making sure that the Professional Certificate continues to be really relevant and a great experience for the people who patriciate in it,” Mapstone said.

“Going hand in hand with that is making sure the NAMS.PLUS asset management approach is also kept relevant. We’ve got to make sure there’s a roadmap for its ongoing development, and hand in hand with that is improving the level of support for people who subscribe to it.

Mapstone’s passion for asset management started first during his time in local government when the Local Government Act was changed in the 90s, and was stoked after collaborating with industry giant Jeff Roorda, who he went on to work with at JRA.

He names his time working with Roorda as the ultimate education in asset management.

“It’s a little bit like someone who’s interested in cars being offered a job with Ferrari,” Mapstone laughs.

Bringing Mapstone on board is just one of a raft of initiatives IPWEA is launching in the asset management sphere, including: 

• An Asset Management Congress and NAMS Users Workshop will be held in August 2018, in Canberra.
• A new NAMS.PLUS e-newsletter will be launched to keep users regularly informed and up to date with changes and tips on getting the best value out of the NAMS.PLUS system.
• NAMS.PLUS has been recently upgraded and will soon receive a new contemporary look making it even easier for users to use.